Today was the Fourth Sunday in Advent, the period including the four Sundays before Christmas; the first Sunday of which is always the nearest Sunday to the feast of St. Andrew (30 November). Advent is a season of preparation and penitence. We prepare ourselves to celebrate the coming of Jesus at Christmas, but we also look forward to his second coming. The liturgical color for this season is purple reminding us of the Kingship of Jesus and that Advent is also a season of penitential preparation.
Sunrise temperature on Mount Olympus was a 45°F under rainy skies; down the hill at church it was even rainier, but the temperature was about 56°F. Even though we had kind of crummy weather, we had 23 people present!
Gathering Songs and Music
Today our lovely and talented organist Marianne Lane was on a cruise with her mom Betsy, so our guitarists - Father Ironhand, Nick Patton and Jack Arnold played all of today’s music:
• Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God
• Creator of the stars of night
• Amazing Grace
• In the bleak mid-winter
• Hymn 1 - Come Thou long expected Jesus
• God made me
• O come, O come, Emmanuel
• Let all mortal flesh
• Hymn 139 - Doxology
The gathering songs perform a really great function. They allow us to have both singalong type songs and guitar accompanied hymns and still have traditional organ accompanied hymns during the service. The best of both worlds. The gathering songs also give a period for people come in and still not be late!
Anyway, today’s songs were well performed by our great guitar team!
Pre-Service Class
The pre-service class moved to the origin of Christmas symbols, in particular the Christmas Tree.
The Christmas tree is a decorated evergreen tree associated with the celebration of Christmas. The tradition of decorating an evergreen tree at Christmas started in Livonia and Germany in the 16th century. The Christmas tree is associated with St Boniface and the German town of Geismar. Sometime in St Boniface's lifetime (c. 672-754) he cut down the tree of Thor in order to disprove the legitimacy of the Norse gods to the local German tribe. St. Boniface saw a fir tree growing in the roots of the old oak.
The Christmas tree is traditionally brought into the home and decorated with Christmas lights (originally candles), ornaments, wafers and golden sugar-twists and paper flowers of all colours during the days around Christmas. An angel or star is placed at the top of the tree, representing the host of angels or the Star of Bethlehem from the Nativity.
The tree moved to from Germany to Britain when the monarchy reached out to Germany for a Prince Consort, and then to America and the world.
Propers
Each Sunday there are Propers: special prayers and readings from the Bible. There is a Collect for the Day; that is a single thought prayer, most written either before the re-founding of the Church of England in the 1540s or written by Bishop Thomas Cranmer, the first Archbishop of Canterbury after the re-founding. The Collect for the Day is to be read on Sunday and during Morning and Evening Prayer until the next Sunday. If you have a hard time remembering, “Do I read the Collect from last Sunday or next Sunday during the week?” Remember Sunday is the first day of the week. There are also two Bible readings, the Epistle and the Gospel. While they are “lessons”, they are not the First Lesson and the Second Lesson, they are the Epistle and the Gospel. The Epistle is normally a reading from one of the various Epistles or letters in the New Testament. The Gospel is a reading from one of the Holy Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The Collect is said by the minister as a prayer, the Epistle can be read by either a designated reader (as we do in our church) or by one of the ministers and the Holy Gospel, which during the service is read by an ordained minister.
The propers are the same each year, except if a Red Letter Feast, that is one with propers in the prayerbook, falls on a Sunday, then those propers are to be read instead. Red Letter Feast, so called because in the Altar Prayerbooks the titles are in red, are special days. Most of the Red Letter Feasts are dedicated to early saints instrumental in the development of the church, others to special events. Some days are particularly special and the Collect for that day is to be used for an octave (eight days) or an entire season, like Advent. For Advent, we have the Sunday Collect AND the First Sunday in Advent Collect, which will be read after the Sunday Collect. The Propers are found on Page 95-96, with the Collect first:
The Fourth Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
O LORD, raise up, we pray thee, thy power, and come among us, and with great might succour us; that whereas, through our sins and wickedness, we are sore let and hindered in running the race that is set before us, thy bountiful grace and mercy may speedily help and deliver us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom, with thee and the Holy Ghost, be honour and glory, world without end. Amen.
The Collect for the First Sunday in Advent is on Page 90:
The First Sunday in Advent
The Collect.
ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.
¶ This Collect is to be repeated every day, after the other Collects in Advent, until Christmas Day.
Alice Acker read the Epistle for today, which came from Paul’s first letter to the Philippians, starting at the Fourth Verse of the Fourth Chapter.
Paul calls on us to “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.” We are to lead the world to Christ by example, to “Let (y)our moderation be known unto all men.” In this Advent season, as always, “The Lord is at hand.” We are to worry about nothing, “but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Be joyful in all things, not for all things. And in the words we find at the end of the Holy Communion Service, may “the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Or to quote another, “Trust in God and Dread Naught.”
REJOICE in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice. Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
The Gospel for today came from the Gospel according to Saint John, the First Chapter, beginning at the Nineteenth Verse. When they heard rumor of John the Baptist, Jews wondering if this might be the Messiah, sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who art thou?” John told them, “I am not the Christ.” Then, they cast about for who he might be, ”Art thou Elias?”
Confounded, they asked, “Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?” He said, “I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.” The Pharisees people were somewhat confused and asked, “Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?” John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose.”
Interestingly, the same theme is found over and over, as is oft the case with truth. One among you whom you will not see. For, there are none so deaf as those who will not hear and none so blind as those who will not see.
THIS is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou? And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ. And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No. Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself? He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias. And they which were sent were of the Pharisees. And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet? John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not; he it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe’s latchet I am not worthy to unloose. These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.
Sermon - Acceptable or Not?
Father Acker provided the following summary of his sermon so you can enjoy the message.
Today's message: Left in the package
A gift is wrapped so that it can be unwrapped. We can’t wait until it’s time to see what hidden treasure, what orange haired maniac driver figure is waiting inside (a popular item from the exchange game at our Advent/Christmas gathering this last Friday).
Wrappings and packaging are interesting things. Some very artfully crafted and others are a bit more peculiar. Peculiar as I am, I’m a Monty Python fan. One of the lesser known movies made is Time Bandits (1981). Directed by Terry Gillam, starring John Cleese, Michael Palin, and unknowns like Sean Connery, A boy is swept along with a band of time-traveling dwarves who rob Napoleon, Robin Hood, King Agamemnon (Sean Connery). They jump through holes in time for their robberies using a map “borrowed” from the Supreme-Being.
These Time Bandits are tempted with the ultimate treasure in the Time of Legends and the Fortress of Ultimate Darkness, the home of Evil. Their desire for this alluringly wrapped “treasure” was hidden away by the Supreme Being because it was pure evil.
In the movie Fallen Angel is in his control room watching and trying to lure in the Time Bandits. And everything in the control room is wrapped in plastic packaging. Nothing was out of its package. You couldn’t touch anything except through the wrapping. Everything had to be left untouched and kept brand new.
How sad it would be to get to Christmas Day and not unwrap the gifts left by Saint Nicholas! Gifts are given to be unwrapped and enjoyed. You don’t give someone a new box of crayons or truck stickers and tell them don’t play with them. God gives so that we might enjoy the gift. And God delights that his gifts are good gifts. It’s the coffee cup with the Starbuck’s Flavor Infusions, not the 70’s psychedelic light switch.
God is has a message for us today: “Open up my gift when it arrives.” Long ago, Adam and Eve, the first people God made, walked away from God’s gift—it was Left in the package. It made God very sad, but God knew how the he would bring home the sons of Adam and the daughters of Eve. At just the right time God would send his Son Jesus and Jesus would make it so you and anyone else who wanted could come home to Jesus’ house.
It took a long while before it was just the right time. Some people forgot about God’s promise about coming to his house. They forgot about God’s promised gift. Some people said, “God, I’d like a gift, but I need a UPS tracking number so I can know for sure it’s coming, so I’ll know when to be ready.
John the Baptist, from our Gospel reading for today, was one a tracking number. John was the brown delivery truck zooming up in front of your house. John said, Everything that God had promised is happening right now. This is the time. God’s gift was ready to be delivered.
Everyone knows gifts are to be opened. The wrapping isn’t what gifts are about, but opening the gift and enjoying it. As we’re getting ready for Jesus, as were getting ready to celebrate God’s Christmas gift. We know what’s inside, you can see it through the plastic, but will it be Left in the package?
All the lights of our Advent Wreath are to be lit, with its light shining brightly, so we might be ready to go home with Jesus. We know gifts are to be opened, but like a new box of crayons, or a new guitar, they were given to draw pictures, to make a beautiful sound. Our Advent message is open God’s gift: Desiring to see God face-to-face, Desiring God’s mercy, Desiring a life acceptable to God, and Desiring to unwrap God’s Christmas gift. Be ready to go home with Jesus.
New Nametags
We had no new nametags today.
Birthdays and Anniversaries
There were no reported anniversaries today. We joyfully celebrate Fausto Fontanilla’s 86th birthday with him today!
After Church Hospitality
Dru Arnold brought snacks today. First and foremost, she killed an entire herd of fatted dog nuts, four in all; then there were nuts of various kinds, low sugar malted milk balls and in honor of the newest Harry Potter book, Turkish Delight.
Very very good! Thanks to Dru!
After church goodies providers as currently signed up:
Date Name
26 December 2010 Mary Hollis and Alice Acker
2 January 2011 Jan Macauley
9 January 2011 Liz and Bill Fuller
16 January 2011 Delores and Fausto Fontanilla
23 January 2011 Mary Lou Ruiz
30 January 2011 Betsy and Marianne Lane
6 February 2011 Opportunity Available
People in our Prayers - http://www.blessedtrinityprayerteam.blogspot.com/
Prayer is an extremely important activity.
It is not that God knows not our needs, for He surely does. Yet, Jesus commanded us to ask God for those same needs. In addition to the obvious of asking God for help, offering thanksgiving and the like, prayer helps us focus our thoughts on how we might do God's work.
The Prayer Team of the Alpine Anglican Church of the Blessed Trinity was established to help our members and fellow Christians pray for those in need and to give thanks as well for the blessings we have been granted.
Who can be on the list?
Do I have to be a member of the Blessed Trinity Church to be prayed for? No! The only qualification to be on the list is that you want our prayer team to pray for you. We are Christians and are happy to pray for you, no matter who you are. If you want help from God, you are our kind of people.
What is the commitment from the prayer team?
Each member of the team will pray for the desired outcome at least once per day.
How do I get myself or someone else on the prayer list?
You can email one of the prayer team leaders: Greg - gnchase@cox.net or Dru - dru@descansorodents.com, or call the church office at (619) 722-1772 or fill out a prayer card at church.
What should I ask for?
Depends on what you want. Some people merely want God to be asked to heal their ills and be mentioned by their first name, others want a specific outcome and / or have more of their personal information known to the team. Ask for what you want. It is your desire and need for prayer the team is attempting to meet. For typical examples, see the list below.
Updating the Team
If you are on our prayer list, or if you have submitted a person that you have asked us to pray for, please update one of the team members or Father Acker in person, by telephone or email. It helps to be able to pray specifically for these individuals including their specific needs; plus if they get better, it is nice to give thanks!
Please note on the yellow (maybe green or orange, if you get an old one) cards at church, you can ask that those to be prayed for have their names disseminated to the "prayer team". Those names will be said in church and appear here. Or, you can ask their names and purpose be kept confidential, then only Father Acker will pray for them.
Prayer List Notice – If you have someone on the prayer list and their needs have changed, please let us know. We are loathe to just stop praying, yet some of the entries are a bit long in the tooth. We don’t mind praying, at all. We just want to be praying for what is needed!
Anniversary of Ordination
Rev Keith Acker celebrated his 28th anniversary of his ordination on 7 December 2010.
Anniversary
Sandy and Don Patton celebrated their 24th anniversary with us nine weeks ago.
Birthday
Fausto Fontanilla celebrated his 86th birthday with us this week.
Travel
Walt and Fran are on travel this week.
Won is on travel to Korea.
In memory of those who have gone before us
Malcom Pappin who left us for home on 1 December 1999, beloved of our Muriel.
ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant Malcom, and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
In need of a miracle or understanding of God’s Plan
Todd and Kenny have both been fighting osteocarcinoma for over five years and have been told their time here on earth is nearing its end, absent a miracle from God. Both are ready to go home and leave the pain, but would like to stay. Please pray for them and their families.
Peaceful Transition
Otis is in hospice care.
Beatrice
Ruth is in home hospice care.
Francisco Mier is nearing the end of his time here on earth, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer, there is nothing further medically that can be done. Pray for an acceptable passage from this world to home for Francisco, for peace of mind and trust in God for his family: his wife Rebeca and his children, in particular his daughter Lorena with whom he has been staying.
Peter Hunter is in hospice palliative care and needs his wife Susan's continuous care. Please pray for peace of mind through trust in our Lord for both of them as Peter passes from this world to his home. Pray also for their friends and family.
Departed
Nancy Bologna passed away the morning of 21 November 2010, as the result of a brain tumor and stroke. Please pray for the repose of her soul and for peace of mind for her family as they of necessity remain behind.
Poli Flores, Mary Lou Ruiz’ father) passed away on 12 November 2010 in El Centro. Please pray for the repose of his soul and for peace of mind for his family as they of necessity remain behind. In particular pray for his daughter Mary Lou as she adjusts to her father being gone from this earth.
Homebound
Mary, Donna, Betty, Noko, Adelaide, Evelyn, Lorraine, Ellie, Ray (Alzheimer’s Disease)
Healing
Marge, Karl, Christian, Lois, Jennette (Alzheimer’s), Ruth, Connie, Tom, Crystal, Thomas, Hadley, Diane, Norm, Gregory, Nancy, Bill (infection), Ernie, Ray, Hazel, Bruce (gall bladder surgery this month; waiting for heart transplant), Susanne, Ralph+ (prostate cancer; the doctors are at a loss on the decreasing cancer cell count except prayer; please add your thanksgiving to the prayers for healing.), Allison (kidney), Bill (ETOH poisoning and gout), Kai, Jay, Tim, Diane, Amy (Thyroid cancer), Evelyn, Debbie, Lona (shoulders), Paul (stroke), Doris, Charles, Marie (sprained ankle), June (cancer surgery), Susan, Jeff, David (leg injury), Judy, who suffers from mental illness, is undergoing tests for cancer, Greg, June (cancer), David (leg sprain), Cheri, Ben, Walter (skin cancer), Gabriella (surgery), Curtis, Doyle, Martha, Richard, Ralph+, Jeffrey, Rod, Gary, Mark, Jeffery, Jennifer, Curtis, Steve (cancer), Ashton, Marjorie, Mike G, Dave (knee surgery), Karl (shoulder surgery), Jeffrey (testing), Gary (sepsis; diabetic), Jim (stomach cancer), Jeanette (Alzheimer’s), Kathleen (breast cancer), Mrs. Alvord, Angie, Madge, Betty (Healing from cancer. Betty has completed her chemotherapy after her surgery), Jeannie (testing for breast cancer), Ed, Betty, Karl (Healing of his shoulder injury, but not having surgery), Phil (Thanksgiving for his having received a pacemaker. Phil is suffering from renal failure and other complications), Dave (We had been praying for healing from a tumor. It now may require surgery), Jacque (Healing of her rare form of cancer. It is her second recurrence), Jeannie (cancer tests), Sarah, Stephen, Curtis; Angie, Madge, Veronica, Carmen, Alice, Dave (surgery recovery), Ed S (liver failure), Greg D (leg injury. Greg is making good progress still using a knee brace; Thanksgiving for the progress and requests continued healing), Martin, Pauline, Pat A (Alzheimer’s: things are stable); Charles A (Alzheimer’s: slight improvement in general awareness that he is disappointed not being allowed to drive), Maurice (in ICU with a congenital disease), Susan, Lillian, Rob, Ken, Marlene, Emma W (Brain tumor), Vivian, Kelly (undergoing test unexpectedly), Veronica, Irith, Shirley, TP, David, Mark, Doris, Mary, Ken, Rick, Mike, Don, Sandy, Fern (Broken arm & pelvis from a fall; bedridden & pain; Back in hospital), Louis, Alan P (Stress test for chest pain), Lydia, Burton (neurological back pain), Terry (Breast Cancer; surgery 3 Aug10), Goodwin Family, Kathy who had surgery for a reoccurrence of cancer, Susan A, Dorothea, Liz F (diabetes and vertigo), Robert, John, Liz, Jack, Bill, Corina, Liz, Robert, Mark, Paul, Terry, Liz & Bill (flu), June (bronchitis), Muriel (bronchitis), Gilbert, Susan, Jeff, Addison, Gene, Kathy (low platelet count due to chemo treatment), Larry F., Bill F. (swelling of ankles)
Kyle Thompson, CPL USMC was injured was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Kyle and his point man, Todd Love, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED ripped into Kyle's face, resulting in the loss of Kyle's left eye, and severely damaging the retina in the right eye. In early November his left eye was surgically removed.
Kyle had apparently successful surgery on Thursday 16 December 2010, to remove blood in his right eye. The surgery went well, God willing he may be able to see. He also had facial surgery to remove some more rocks from his mouth that went well. Please give thanks!
He will need additional reconstructive surgery to replace his jawbone and his lost teeth. Pray for peace of mind, courage and healing for Kyle. Pray for the medical teams treating him.
Kyle is at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Palo Alto, CA and would appreciate any words of encouragement you could offer, a simple "thank you" would boost his morale immensely. You can reach out to him at either logging onto http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/kylethompson or by emailing his father, Mike Thompson, at miket4k@yahoo.com
CPL KYLE THOMPSON
C/O VETERANS AFFAIRS HOSPITAL
BUILDING 7 UNIT D ROOM 120
3801 MIRANDA AVE.
PALO ALTO, CA 94304
Todd Love, CPL USMC was seriously wounded while on foot patrol in Helmand Province of Afghanistan on 25 October 2010. Todd and his squad leader, Kyle Thompson, were hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during a routine patrol. The IED took both of Todd’s legs and part of his left arm. Pray for peace of mind, courage and healing for Todd. Pray for the medical teams treating him.
Todd got his new left arm on Tuesday 14 December 2010. Thanksgiving in order!
Todd is now at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Todd could use a bit of a morale boost. Any words of encouragement you could offer, a simple "thank you" would boost his morale immensely. You can reach out to him at either logging onto http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/toddlove or by emailing Kyle’s father, Michael Thompson, at miket4k@yahoo.com. You can write Todd at:
CPL TODD LOVE
C/O WALTER REED ARMY MEDICAL CENTER
6900 GEORGIA AVE NW
WARD 68 ROOM 34
WASHINGTON, DC 20307-5001
Shamim Gray underwent a lumpectomy on Saturday 6 November 2010 at Bethesda Naval Hospital, with apparent great result. Please give thanks for the successful surgery, the good result and a quick recovery. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Shamim will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Judith Clingwall, afflicted with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), suffered a major setback in her coping with the disease. She is currently hospitalized. Please pray for her strength, peace of mind, trust in God and remission of the disease so she might return home to her family. Pray also for strength for her husband Martin as he deals with all the problems and stress of Judith’s situation.
Joan Balslev underwent another nerve surgery on her right hand to transfer a nerve from her leg to her hand. The surgery appears successful, though she will likely need another. Please give thanks for the good result and pray for a complete and quick recovery.
Victor’s heart was racing and it was expected he had a blocked coronary artery, but an angiogram on 13 October 2010, at Scripps Green Hospital found no blockage. They did find some plaque in his heart, but they don't know why his heart is racing. They plan to do more tests, but they may never know. They will put him on medication to help his heart heal. Please pray for healing for Victor and peace of mind through trust in God for Victor and his wife Karen as well as the rest of his family and friends.
Becky Madden is paralyzed from the neck down as the result of a tragic shooting accident. She is about to be released home. Please pray for further recovery for Becky, as well as strength and guidance for each of those involved.
Hy Barrett had a hip replacement. Please give thanks for the great result and pray for her continued recovery.
Greg Garvin began chemotherapy on Monday 13 September 2010, for testicular cancer. Please pray for good result and peace of mind for Greg and his family.
Won King had a small stroke near the end of August, the only residual appears to be a loss of vision in her left eye. Please pray for a complete healing and give thanks for the great progress so far.
JJ Davies, age 11, sustained a crushing injury to his left hand on 1 September 2010, which resulted in the loss of four fingers. He was released from the hospital on the night of 3 September 2010, with no sign of infection. Please give thanks for no infection and the great results to date and pray for continued healing in his hand and arm. Pray for courage, strength and trust for JJ and his family.
Nancy Belk’s breast cancer had been in remission for seven years. It has apparently resurfaced in metastasized into her lungs and her arm. Please pray for treatment that will help her, as well as strength and comfort for both her and her family.
George Seddon, a pharmacist and church leader in Georgia whose bladder cancer returned spreading to his pelvis a year ago is home after surgery on Monday 29 November 2010. The surgeon believes he was successful in removing ALL of the tumor in George's leg which was wrapped around his sciatic nerve.
Please continue to pray for George's complete healing. Please pray for the surgical team treating him to pay attention and do their best; pray for peace of mind for George, his wife LaVonda, and their children Megan and George III. Their faith is great, but so is their need.
Mary Jo for guidance in taking care of her husband.
Betty Macauley, Tim’s mom, is currently in a state of failing health. Please pray she will gain interest in life around her and actively pursue life here on earth. Please pray for her family, in particular her son Tim, as they try to help her.
Lauralee underwent a lumpectomy on Friday after Thanksgiving. A further anomaly has been discovered and she is back into preventative radiation treatment. Please pray for a complete remission of the cancer. Pray also Lauralee will maintain her great attitude and trust in God.
Luca, 5 years old, from our church family in Perth, Western Australia, who has just been diagnosed with leukemia. And for his Mum and Dad and extended family.
Jere Wolfe, Melanie Zimmers’ dad has been diagnosed with cardiomyopathy, a weakening of the heart muscle. He just was released from the hospital after treatment for a very bad urinary tract infection, the apparent by-product of earlier radiation treatment. The treatment resulted in severe anemia which affected his heart condition. Please pray for his heart and urology doctors to talk to each other and for Jere to maintain his trust in the Lord.
Greg Chase asks that you pray for his family:
Greg broke his toe.
Diane, Greg’s wife, to see some positive physical signs for the ongoing treatment of her ulcerative colitis.
Phyllis, Greg’s mom, to gain physical strength to overcome her frailties after her recent "small" stroke.
Ed, Greg’s cousin, after a long history of heart issues (two open heart surgeries) to gain physical strength that continues to decline due to a series of other debilitating health issues.
Rede Acker, Father Acker’s mom, is recovering from her broken leg, just above where she had a knee replacement. Things had been going great, but she had another fall on 20 November 2010. She was back in the hospital with an infection and had apparent problems with her pain medication. It appears the pain medication issue has resolved and the infection under control to the point she was released from the hospital on 5 December 2010, please give thanks for that. The whole family appreciates your prayers, thank you.
Evelyn Hunt is still having difficulty with her medication and other related problems. She had a CT Scan on 1 December 2010 to see how she is progressing. Please pray that the doctor might find the right medication and doses for her treatment. Please pray for God's peace and goodness to surround her.
Wanda M is still out of work due to her Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis. Please pray for her complete and rapid recovery, as well as her to keep her spirits up while she gets better.
Vince (age 13), reoccurrence of cancer, recent testing found a nickel sized tumor in his lungs. The doctors are consulting with a specialist in Houston. Please pray for guidance for the medical team and for peace of mind for Vince and his family.
Matt Alcantara, age 15, has Osteosarcoma (bone cancer), a very rare and often lethal form of cancer with limited treatment options. After about 18 months of treatment, all his scans are clear and Friday 3 September 2010, he had his chemotherapy port removed. This with a disease that is about 90 percent fatal in that same time period. He has no hip joint on one side, but he walks and swims! Courage? Guts? You bet! Thanks be to God for the way things have gone. Thanks also for the great faith of Matt and his entire family. Their faith and trust is a wonderful example for each and every one of us. But, now is not the time to stop praying. Actually, it never is the time to stop praying!
Lee Thomas is in assisted living after a stroke and apparently declining after a limited recovery. Please pray for Lee, his family, and the care staff. Please pray for Lee, Sandy and their children to maintain their trust in God and to look towards Him for guidance. Pray also for the medical team treating Lee that God might guide and direct their assessment and treatment.
Vicky developed a brain aneurysm, which ruptured the morning of 28 October 2009. Vicky’s neighbor Sandy has been updating us periodically and sent this:
On 28 October 2009, Vicky she told her husband Doug she had a terrible headache. As it turned out she had a ruptured brain aneurysm. After four surgeries and several months in hospitals, nursing homes and a rehabilitation hospital she came home five weeks ago. Doug prepared for the worst but never gave hope and he made daily trips to Denver to be with her and their boys also went often.
Please pray for Vicky’s recovery and for peace of mind for her family, that they might keep their trust in the Lord.
Obra Gray continues to take day by day, despite still mourning the loss of his beloved wife, Pauline. Please continue to keep Obra in your prayers, and give him the strength of knowing the Lord is with him and will never forsake him. Please God give Obra the peace in his heart he needs, and pray for him to believe the almighty Lord will hold onto him, and not let go until he is in the Lord's arms. Obra needs security of what lies ahead of him, and only the Lord can grant the solace to answer his prayer.
Paula, daughter of Obra Gray, has been diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS) one month ago. The disease has impacted her far quicker than anyone can believe. Two months ago, she could walk with the aid of a cane, one month ago she could feed her self. Now she cannot move, cannot walk, cannot feed herself and has no movement from her neck downwards. Please pray for Paula and her family, particularly for her sons Brian and Jimmy, as well as her father Obra.
Cerrus, daughter in law of Hy, has had a relapse of her cancer. Please pray for a successful treatment and remission.
David is suffering from shingles and asks that we pray for a remission of the symptoms and a return to normalcy.
Jimmy had a stroke along with triple bypass heart surgery. Miney Farrell asks you pray for his recovery and positive frame of mind during his recovery.
Annie S continues her recovery from the kidney transplant and is doing incredibly well! Please give thanks for the great progress to date and pray for continued recovery.
Bashir Ahmed, father of Shamim Gray, has been blessed with the Lord's breath of life to stay on this earth for the time being. But, things are hard for him and his loving wife, who cares for him. They have two young nieces living with them who see no real need to help, pray for God to enter their hearts. Above all, pray for his entire family to open their hearts to accept all God’s love will bring them.
Mary Parker is currently in rehabilitation to learn to walk properly again. Please pray for a positive attitude for her and a great result.
Miney Farrell has pain and weakness in her leg. She asks that you pray for strength to work hard on physical exertion required to regain her strength. She also thanks God for the wonderful people she lives with.
Lorraine Winkles is dealing with the arthritis, but her shingles have resurfaced. She asks your prayer in dealing with the accompanying discomfort.
Kay Denton (Mrs. Kay) is still home and doing pretty well considering the bones in her neck and hands are degenerating as a side effect of her kidney failure. Her thumbs are not particularly useful any more. Mrs. Kay asks everyone who is praying for her know how grateful she is for their prayers. As always, she retains her trust in the Lord and her positive attitude.
Natalie (age 10, leukemia recurrence) has not responded to any treatment since her relapse. Please pray for God’s grace for Natalie and her family to give them peace of heart, soul and mind.
Guidance
June D, Adam, Tom, Mary, Lloyd & Jennifer to be guided to a church
Breyana, Vie, Asha, Cory, Heather, Holly, William, Phil, Rick, Susan, Curtis, Donny, Chris, Keith (job decision), Sara (God's grace and His patience), Mark, Alexandra, Perlita, Lewis, Susie, Dru, Jack, Tina, William, Christina, Tuck, Jeff, Christiana (God’s grace), Tara (divorce), Errin, Elizabeth, Brandon, Steven, Nelson, Ashley, Betty who is considering moving into an assisted living home, Nick, Pat, Caroline, Stephen, Greg (vocation guidance and training for the diaconate), Stephanie, Richard, Daniel, Sheryl, Edward, Jeannie, Rachel, Mikaela, Patrick, Mary (adoption); Ashley (job); Curt; Angelina & Ron C; Steven (strength); Vanessa H (trust), Jackie (God's grace), Sandy (Relief from stress; Her husband has severe medical problems), Jennifer, Margie, Phyllis, Sam (guidance on direction of his business), Tara (divorce), Virginia, Darin & Brian (mom’s health issues), Jeanie (upset over her husband's cancer problems), Curt (Still providing care for his wife, Jacque, who is undergoing chemotherapy), Alex, Emilie, Stephen, Daniel S, Jan, Tamera (her house is being taken by eminent domain and is in settlement phase; pray for a fair settlement), Rachel, Stephen, Paul, Seth C, Alan P (to control his feelings), Cris, Sean, Lesa, Kenny, Carmen, Jeff, Jane (Bereavement of Caroline's death), Elizabeth B (Graduation from High School; preparation for Point Loma Nazarene), Kenny P (Graduation from High School), John, Cole, Gabe, Toni as she cares for Terry who is undergoing breast cancer treatment, Christy, Ray, Alan (stress in family matters), Kenny (dealing with not being able to physically qualify for the Coast Guard), Sol F, Alex, Emilie, Delores, Fontonilla, Will, Vinnie, Colleen and family, Maureen and family, Billy, Barbie, Robert, Terry, Tony, Sue (husband passed away after a long illness), June, Veronica, Richard, Ryan (new job), Ann (death of her cat of 14 years), Karen F., Toni, Jennifer F, Carmen, Vince, Vicki
James Edward Gerard Fox asks that you please pray for him as he is not well in mind and body and needs raising up to perfection by God through our Lord Jesus. James suffers from anxiety and depression. He is desperate, he has bad asthma, panic attacks and blackouts - his min and thinking is disordered. He asks for a complete lasting miracle in order to heal him. He feels a tormenting unclean spirit inside him that needs taking out for good. Pray for him to accept God’s help.
Helen and her family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
Sol and his family are in need of God’s guidance that they might do His will, see things His way and hopefully come together through His love.
Louis is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Louis might see God’s outstretched hand to him and guide him in all he does.
Mark Thomas is in need of God's guidance and direction. Please pray that Mark might take note God’s outstretched hand to him and accept his guidance in all he does.
Ali is searching for spiritual meaning; may the Holy Ghost guide those around her to help her in coming to Christ.
Jacquie to open her heart to God and accept His Love and Grace.
Noriene for God's comfort as she mourns her mother and for her to turn to God for His healing.
Paul S asked everyone to give thanks that his doctor is adjusting his medication for severe schizophrenia.
Hap asks you to pray that he might be able to trust God will help him make the right decisions at the right time and not to worry uselessly and that he will open his heart to the Holy Ghost.
Guidance and Protection
Christina, Sarah
Wanda for guidance on dealing with an employment situation for which her organization needs protection against those who would destroy and tear down the work of the helping organization; also for strength and guidance to deal with the extra stress and hours required to deal with these problems; and pray for her continued healing during this time of stress.
Economic Guidance and Assistance
Keith has been unable to find any full-time work since his custom home drafting business of 25 years really dropped off last year. He is working as a handyman, doing tile work, painting, home repairs, etc. Pray also for God's peace to comfort them and for His leading and wisdom to be very evident to them.
Mark’s business is very very slow, he asks that God point him to new markets and give him guidance in following God’s will that his business might survive and his employees not lose their livelihood.
To Find Employment
Nancy asks your prayers for guidance for her as she seeks employment at both Viejas and Donovan Prison.
Sandra asks that you pray she will be able to find new employment in which she can use her considerable talents to make her new employer more successful. Please pray for her as she searches that she might maintain a good attitude while she looks for work and to look to God for guidance and not her inner self.
Father Keith is looking for additional employment to supplement his part-time stipend at Blessed Trinity. Keith believes his expertise lies in web site development and guitar teaching, both of which he is clearly good at. Please pray the Holy Ghost will enter into his heart and give him inspiration and guidance to lead him to a job which will use his considerable skills to support his family, bless the company he joins and further God’s Work, all together.
Jack has been laid off from his job as a construction manager in East San Diego County; due to the economy jobs in the field are hard to find. Please pray that Jack will find a job, not necessarily in the construction, that will allow him to use his considerable skills and talents to make his new employer more successful; guide him and his family is this difficult time.
Peter, Brad, Brian, Russell, Kris, Keith and Kevin each to find a job that will allow them to use their skill and talent to make their new employer more successful.
Armed Forces & Contractors
Tillman, Justin, Evan, RJ, Matt, Phillip, Julian, John Kelly (USN - USS Ronald Reagan), Evan (USMC-Afghanistan), Stuart (USMC-Afghanistan), Airman Donny Patton (RAF Mildenhall, UK), Bob (USCG), Josh (USCG), Kurt Thomas (USN – Afghanistan FOB), Julian (USMC)
Persecuted
Around the world, Christians are under attack, not only in the Muslim world, but from Hindus and others in India. Also, they are under continual attack in the name of “Separation of Church and State” in the western world, as it becomes actively atheist or pro-devil buddy. Please pray for God’s guidance and protection for all persecuted Christians and those around them.
Thanksgiving
Danielle gives thanks for the completion of one year from her cancer treatment with clean scans.
Rachel gives thanks for the safe birth of Kalani David Parker after a difficult labor.
Various Special Requests
We ask that you pray, please ask God that the Holy Ghost might give you insight into how you might make the lives of your friends and family better. Remember helping others is not just those who you don’t know!
Please join us in praying for God to fill us with the Holy Ghost, even if (or maybe particularly if) we need Him shoved down our throats, to provide inspiration to grow our little church to the glory of God. Our numbers are static; we need God’s inspiration to figure out the next step. Please pray we will open our heart to the gentle prodding of the Holy Ghost; and not do what we have always done expecting a different result.
Please join us in praying that the Free Teen Guitar Class will be continue to be an opportunity for God to work in the lives of the kids and their families. Please ask God to guide the class to new opportunities to make Him known to others. Help us to let the love of our Lord shine through us into their lives, putting Him first, so that He might enter in to their hearts and lives.
Thought for the Day
Arrogance doesn’t come from having convictions about the truth; it comes from having the wrong convictions about how to treat people who don’t share it with you. Humility doesn’t come from not having any convictions; it comes from having the right convictions about the importance of gentleness and respect [see 1 Pet. 3:15-16].
J. Budziszewski
From How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski copyright 2004, p. 82. Used by permission of NavPress (Think Books) - www.navpress.com. All rights reserved.
In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it 'Christmas' and went to church; the Jews called it 'Hanukka' and went to synagogue; the atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say 'Merry Christmas!' or 'Happy Hanukka!' or (to the atheists) 'Look out for the wall!'"
- - Dave Barry "Christmas Shopping: A Survivor's Guide"
-
Courtesy of Rev. Geordie Menzies - Grierson
Question that only you can ask
What would you like to know about our history, what we believe, what we do or how we operate? Father Acker is looking for material for the continuing education class and the Beadle is looking for Thought for the Day material. Help us help you. Please send your question to the Beadle so we all can get an answer. Just because you don’t know the answer to your question doesn’t mean you are the only one who doesn’t know. But, if you don’t ask, no one will know.
I’d like to get a different point across or announce something
If you have a different point of view, I would be happy to give you room to get your point across. While this publication is my perspective on events, I recognize not everyone may agree and that some people would like to express their own opinion. If you want to write something, please forward your item to the Beadle (with a note as to whether or not you would like editing help) to: thebeadle@mac.com.
Macauley Christmas Party
This past Friday, the Tim and Jan Macauley (with help from Stephanie and Chris) hosted their annual Christmas Party, given the time of year, referred to by some as the Advent Party. This is the first time your Beadle has been able to attend, in the past someone always managed to kill themselves and he had to work.
Jan and Tim are always gracious hosts and the party was no exception. They have a lovely home and a lovely family. We were fortunate to have not only Jan, Tim and their daughter Stephanie and her family, but also their daughter Danielle and her daughters were visiting from the North! As can be imagined from Sundays that Jan does snacks, the food was incredible, though it must be pointed out that Jan’s deviled eggs and Holly Lizak’s black egg salad sandwiches were the first to go!
There was a Chinese Gift Exchange, numbers are drawn and you pick a gift from under the tree. Pretty usual. BUT, you can also take the gift anyone else has picked before you. Some gifts changed hands three times! Not that it necessarily means anything, but Nick Patton lost five gifts!
Anyway, your Beadle really actively dislikes this kind of party game, at least he did until Friday night. Now he thinks there is at least one game that may be okay. Everyone had a great time. Everyone, no exceptions.
Beadle apologizes for the paucity of pictures, he was having way too much fun. Plus, it is hard to take a picture when you have a deviled egg in one hand and a black egg salad sandwich in the other!
Thank you Tim, Jan, Stephanie and Chris. What a wonderful time!
Epistle Readers
We post the list of Epistle Readers in the Beadle’s Report each week so you can either plan your attendance or your pre-reading as the spirit so moves you.
Date Reader
24 December 2010 Jack Arnold (Christmas Eve Service)
26 December 2010 Jan Macauley (Boxing Day Service)
2 January 2011 Dru Arnold
9 January 2011 Hap Arnold
16 January 2011 Sandy Patton
23 January 2011 Don Patton
30 January 2011 Ben Lizak
The near future, as well as Next Sunday
You can go on line here and see our church calendar.
Calendar Location - http://go.to/alpineanglicancalendar
Church Facebook Groups Page - http://www.groups.to/alpineanglicanchurch
Or, email the Beadle at thebeadle@mac.com for an emailed link.
Friday
24 December 2010 – Christmas Eve Service - Service start time 1830 (6:30 pm); Christmas Carols before the service starting about 1800 (6:00 pm). Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Saturday
25 December 2010 – Christmas Day Service - Service start time 0900 (9:00 am); Time 0930 (9:30 am); Location – Victoria House, 2828 North Victoria Drive, Alpine, CA
Saturday
25 December 2010 – Christmas Day Dinner for those with no family with which to spend Christmas or those who would like to spend it with us –
Time Line:
10:15am Set-up crew & musicians
We'll have helpers and folk bring food arriving during the hour.
11:00am Doors open for our guests (our target time to start welcoming folks)
11:30am Carol singing
Noon Lunch
~1:00pm Clean up gets underway when folks have finished dessert.
Start time 1130 (11:30 am); Time 1130 (11:30 am); Location – Alpine Community Center - 1830 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine, CA
Sunday
26 December 2010 – First Sunday after Christmas - Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service starting about 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine
Saturday
1 January 2011 – Circumcision of Christ - Service start time 0930 (9:30 am); Time 0930 (9:30 am); Location – Victoria House, 2828 North Victoria Drive, Alpine, CA
Sunday
2 January 2011 – Second Sunday after Christmas - Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service starting about 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine
Wednesday
5 January 2011 – Twelfth Night of Christmas Celebration – Burn a bit of greenery and prepare for the Epiphany – Time 1800 (6:00 pm); Location – Victoria House, 2828 North Victoria Drive, Alpine, CA
Sunday
9 January 2011 –Sunday after the Epiphany – First Sunday of the month, means Free Teen Guitar Sunday, all guitar music - Service start time 1000 (10:00 am); welcome or gathering songs before the service starting about 0945 (9:45 am); Time 1000 (10:00 am); Location – Alpine Elementary School Auditorium – 1850 Alpine
Write Todd and Kyle – They’re counting on you!
